Factors and Prime Factorization

Number theory has always fascinated mathematicians. In number theory, the prime factors of a composite number are the prime numbers that divide that composite number exactly, without leaving a remainder. The process of finding these numbers is called prime factorization.

Prime factors are often used in encryption systems due to the fact that it is fairly simple to construct a problem that would take longer than the known age of the universe to calculate on current computers using current formulas.

Learn to write prime factorizations of composite numbers with this latest free video sample from our 6th Grade Math course. Edward Burger makes it easier with great examples and a couple of simple rules.